Of the historical port towns of the Istrian coast, Novigrad is one of the most charming. It doesn’t have the headline attractions of Rovinj or Poreč, and may well be the better for it. Life is slightly more laid back here, and the pressure to be a tourist less apparent.

A preserved row of medieval walls stands as evidence to Novigrad’s erstwhile status as Venetian harbour and strongpoint. Beyond lies the peninsula-hugging Old Town, the campanile of St Pelagia’s Church towering above a low-rise collection of stone houses and modest palazzos. Beside the church, Novigrad’s Lapidarium contains a fascinating, dramatically-lit collection of medieval stone carving.

Novigrad’s spacious harbour on the north side of the peninsula has room for both the local fishing fleet and a marina for swanky yachts. The latter gives the town a upmarket feel, and helps to explain the cluster of seafood restaurants that have given the town something of a gourmet reputation.